On 15th December last year, the world of music fell silent with the passing of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. A visionary percussionist, composer, and collaborator, Hussain’s genius transcended boundaries and genres—from Indian and Western classical music to rock, pop, jazz, world music, and beyond. The NCPA’s association with him began on a historic note, with his performance alongside his father, the legendary Ustad Allarakha, at the Centre’s foundation day in 1969. What followed was a 55-year-long association marked by landmark concerts and his collaborations with the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI). He wrote two original compositions for the SOI in the last decade. It was also the NCPA’s privilege to have him serve as an esteemed member of the NCPA Council. Now, a year later, the NCPA, together with a line-up of over 50 national and international artistes, students, and members of his family, will come together for Maestro Forever—a two-day global tribute celebrating and honouring the irreplaceable maestro.
The line-up includes iconic names such as John McLaughlin, Louis Banks, Dave Holland, Ganesh Rajagopalan, Ranjit Barot, V. Selvaganesh, Shankar Mahadevan, Chris Potter, Sanjay Divecha, Gino Banks, Ajoy Chakrabarty, Amjad Ali Khan and Rakesh Chaurasia, among many others. The programme will feature musical performances, lecture-demonstrations, talks, a photo exhibition tracing his journey, and documentary screenings, offering audiences a multidimensional and heartfelt remembrance of his life and legacy.
Joining the artistes and admirers will be his wife Antonia, daughters Anisa and Isabella, and his brothers—coming together to honour the memory of the man who redefined the tabla and inspired generations. This two-day commemorative event, on the 14th and 15th of December, running from 9 am to 9 pm, will unfold across multiple NCPA venues and stand as a testament to Zakir Hussain’s unmatched contribution to music and the countless lives he touched.